I’m not sure I fully understand the logic behind the ruling of the federal judges who blocked a Texas law, which required voters to present photo IDs before being allowed to cast ballots in November. They said it would place an unfair burden on minorities and the poor

One would be led to believe that having to show a photo ID is somewhat difficult to acquire or produce.

Since we are talking about people who have a very low or no income at all, I must assume that all of them or at least the vast majority are on some type of relief from either a federal or state entitlement program. Surely we would not deprive them of some form of financial help through one of our many entitlement programs.

Since the courts have indicated it would be an “unfair burden” on them to produce a photo ID, how then do they prove who they are when applying for relief programs? Do they merely state their problem and are awarded monies or rations to supplement what little or no income they claim?

Without a photo ID, how can we be sure that the person casting a vote for the leaders of this country or someone trying to apply for entitlements are who they say they are? Imagine, if every individual processed a photo ID, there would be fewer imposters floating around.

I’m getting the distinctive feeling that there is a more underlying reason for the proponents who are against voters using a photo ID as a means for identification. I believe our vote is a sacred privilege and that I, for one, waited a long time to become eligible to vote. I want everyone’s vote to count, but only those who are legitimate citizens and who can prove their eligibility. Is that really asking too much?

TOM COLASANTO

Savannah

Previous presidents issued executive orders

If letter-writer Jan Loftis had done a little research, Jan would have discovered that Executive Orders have been issued by all presidents. The first one was issued in 1789. Presidents have legally done so by citing Article II, Section 1, Clause 1 and Article II, Section 3, Clause 5 of the Constitution for the authority to do use them.

In 1907, the U.S. government started to count presidential executive orders by retroactively beginning with Abraham Lincoln. Here are some of the counts for our more recent presidents:

• FDR: 3,728 executive orders

• Ronald Reagan: 380

• George H.W. Bush: 165

• Bill Clinton: 363

• George W. Bush: 291

• Barack Obama: 130

Will we see a retraction of Jan Loftis’ erroneous charges against our current president of disrespecting our Constitution? Perhaps had the writer “considered the facts,” that retraction would not be necessary.

BABETTE BORSANI

Savannah

Problems go beyond Romney and Obama

We live on this tiny speck of a planet found rotating amidst a seeming endless sea of stars. We’re not sure where humans come from or what necessarily happens when we die.

And yet, the stability of this world still hangs by a thread because of words like sacrifice, global conflict and inequality that are used to define us. And then there’s that one single word: free.

We may be free to speak our minds or climb the company ladder, but beyond that, the role of living free gets a little sticky. When we are free to invade and occupy other countries, free to suffer through countless recessions and inflation, and free to watch it all pass by, we then become a nation of the less free, and one more of victims.

Our victimization will meet its maker come the fall elections of 2012, so let the finger-pointing begin. If yours is to blame government and President Obama for all our problems, then think again. Probably not all the fault of Democrats or Republicans, but more of corporate America and special interests that practically own our government and are writing laws that suit their needs and protect their profits.

So, if it seems counter-intuitive that the Republican platform seeks to give more power and authority over to corporations, well, that’s because it is.

And it’s probably true that President Obama has not provided us much of a rallying cry. What we are left with is ourselves, secretly or quietly holding to the belief that enough smart, impassioned or enlightened voters are out there and willing to give hope, change, and dreams the breath needed to survive.

CHARLES HUDSON

Rincon

‘Coach’ has positive impact on local children

Michael Hamilton, also known as Coach Hamilton, is making a large impact on children’s lives in the community.

Mr. Hamilton’s never tiring contribution consist of coaching neighborhood football, after school programs, summer camp program, school performance, good behavior, anti-violence and delinquency.

Mr. Hamilton practices daily The Boys and Girls Club mission statement, as well as the club’s core beliefs. His act every morning was evidence that if we practice politeness, good conduct and ethical actions daily it becomes natural to our character.

So we say a well-deserved thank you to Mr. Hamilton for being influential to the children and investing his valuable time with tireless effort daily.